#and also has covid and is septic

[boytoykevinday]

He's only been in remission for a fucking month but life decided it wasn't done being cruel to my little boy and threw bacterial meningitis at him.

I'll either be around not at all or using tumblr as a distraction but yeah. Life update. Send prayers and hug your loved ones extra tightly

[covid-safer-hotties]

Are there any resources/tips for going to the dentist? I’ve been putting it off for years, and I need to go soon before my teeth issues get any worse. But I’m terrified to take off my mask in a medical facility. I’m not even sure if I can find a place near me that requires staff AND patients to mask anymore :(

I get not wanting to get covid, but teeth problems are a HUGE risk for things like sepsis, so you should try to go anywhere asap. There's a pretty good chance you'd rather risk a covid infection now than be septic in a hospital and then catch covid there, tbh. Not trying to scare you, just being clear about the need for the risk.

Be prepared to go in at least twice since you haven't been in years, once for X-rays/cleaning/introductions, and then again (and perhaps again and again depending on your specific issues) to actually undergo procedures like fillings, etc. Going earliest mitigates the most risk. Make sure to schedule your appointments first thing in the morning for the lowest risk or right after their lunch break for not as low but definately lower risk.

You can bring your own air purifier, which can also help to mitigate risk. Some people swear by the "Redimask hack" in which you use this adhesive N95 over only your nose and breathe through your nose during the procedure. The adhesive on these masks makes me break out in welts/sweat the mask off, so if you've got a similar problem, there's some other tips here.

This is one of those situations where nasal sprays and mouthwashes may have some payoff, but they can't keep you from inhaling covid, so It's up to you whether you find them useful. Personally, I save the CPC mouthwash for before and after dental visits for this reason, and the same with xylitol nasal spray: there's been study showing that infections starting in the nose and throat do more neurological damage than ones starting from the lung, and while not perfect, it does add a layer of protection.

I own a wearable air filter for my allergies, and it has a MERV 17 filter, so I usually bring it along with me to the dentist to keep clean air blowing right up my nose, but I totally get how not everyone has $120 to drop on a device like that. There's a few small HEPA filters that can be purchased for between $50 and $90 that would work for that purpose. There are some links to some info about some on our site.

[maaarine]

The Cause of Depression Is Probably Not What You Think (Joanna Thompson, Quanta Magazine, Jan 26 2023)

"A literature review that appeared in Molecular Psychiatry in July was the latest and perhaps loudest death knell for the serotonin hypothesis, at least in its simplest form.

An international team of scientists led by Joanna Moncrieff of University College London screened 361 papers from six areas of research and carefully evaluated 17 of them.

They found no convincing evidence that lower levels of serotonin caused or were even associated with depression.

People with depression didn’t reliably seem to have less serotonin activity than people without the disorder.

Experiments in which researchers artificially lowered the serotonin levels of volunteers didn’t consistently cause depression. (…)

Although serotonin levels don’t seem to be the primary driver of depression, SSRIs show a modest improvement over placebos in clinical trials.

But the mechanism behind that improvement remains elusive.

“Just because aspirin relieves a headache, [it] doesn’t mean that aspirin deficits in the body are causing headaches,” said John Krystal, a neuropharmacologist and chair of the psychiatry department at Yale University.

“Fully understanding how SSRIs produce clinical change is still a work in progress.”

Speculation about the source of that benefit has spawned alternative theories about the origins of depression. (…)

Repple warns, however, that another explanation for the effects his team observed is also possible: Perhaps the depressed patients’ brain connections were impaired by inflammation.

Chronic inflammation impedes the body’s ability to heal, and in neural tissue it can gradually degrade synaptic connections.

The loss of such connections is thought to contribute to mood disorders.

Good evidence supports this theory.

When psychiatrists have evaluated populations of patients who have chronic inflammatory diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, they’ve found that “all of them have higher-than-average rates of depression,” said Charles Nemeroff, a neuropsychiatrist at the University of Texas, Austin.

Of course, knowing that they have an incurable, degenerative condition may contribute to a patient’s depressed feelings, but the researchers suspect that the inflammation itself is also a factor.

Medical researchers have found that inducing inflammation in certain patients can trigger depression.

Interferon alpha, which is sometimes used to treat chronic hepatitis C and other conditions, causes a major inflammatory response throughout the body by flooding the immune system with proteins known as cytokines — molecules that facilitate reactions ranging from mild swelling to septic shock.

The sudden influx of inflammatory cytokines leads to appetite loss, fatigue and a slowdown in mental and physical activity — all symptoms of major depression.

Patients taking interferon often report feeling suddenly, sometimes severely, depressed.

If overlooked chronic inflammation is causing many people’s depression, researchers still need to determine the source of that inflammation.

Autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections, high stress and certain viruses, including the virus that causes Covid-19, can all induce persistent inflammatory responses.

Viral inflammation can extend directly to tissues in the brain. Devising an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for depression may depend on knowing which of these causes is at work.

It’s also unclear whether simply treating inflammation could be enough to alleviate depression.

Clinicians are still trying to parse whether depression causes inflammation or inflammation leads to depression. “It’s a sort of chicken-and-egg phenomenon,” Nemeroff said.

Increasingly, some scientists are pushing to reframe “depression” as an umbrella term for a suite of related conditions, much as oncologists now think of “cancer” as referring to a legion of distinct but similar malignancies.

"And just as each cancer needs to be prevented or treated in ways relevant to its origin, treatments for depression may need to be tailored to the individual."

[cleoselene]

I find it frustrating that you assume I’m seeking attention and refuse to earnestly engage with my feelings when I say I don’t wanna vote for the guy who is actively helping Israel commit genocide. Also, as a disabled person like me, why aren’t you mad at him for pretending the pandemic is over and removing all covid mitigations and making society unsafe for us?

if you're voting for Cornel West, you're voting for whoever Harlan Crow wants you to vote for. If you're voting for Jill Stein, you're voting for whoever Vladimir Putin wants you to vote for. Either way, it's nonsensical and useless. My first election was 2000, go read the wikipedia article about Florida and Ralph Nader, it's not my fucking job to educate you on the meaning of a third party candidate in an electoral system that is a Single Member District Plurality.

As a disabled person on Social Security and living in the bottom quintile of this economy, the Biden Administration has made my life MARKEDLY better. Medicare improvements alone have been a revelation. I now have so much more money in my pocket, no copays on my medications or any of my doctor visits ever, my food stamps have gone up. We are the only major economy in the west that is experiencing economy growth.

Biden has been dealing with a 50-50 Senate and has accomplished more than Obama did with a Supermajority in 8 years. I'm sorry that you probably learned about foreign policy three months ago, but if you think literally anyone else who has a snowball's chance in fucking hell will be better for Palestine, you are delulu as all fuck. Biden is not helping commit genocide, you are spouting internet catchphrases. Biden is not even on speaking terms with Netanyahu at the moment. Blinken has been repeatedly pressuring Israel to pause the fighting because Americans are being held hostage in Gaza. You speak like someone who learns literally all of their information from social media.

You're disabled like me, why are you giving away your country to fascism for one foreign policy issue you probably barely understand and literally no other viable candidate will be to the left of Biden on? Do you think Trump, who your vote will actively assist, will be any better? The guy who literally moved the American embassy in Israel to Palestine in a move designed to be deliberately provocative to Palestine? That Donald Trump?

Assume Biden literally told Netanyahu to stop. Netanyahu would not stop. It would not happen. We have not approved any aid to Israel, even, because guess what: Congress hasn't approved anything whatsoever.

And that is more words than I have been willing to give to anyone who responds to this post because in 2016 I gave a lot of words to people who ended up being Russian psyops agents, and I am tired.

But hey, vote for Jill Stein. Women dying in Texas of miscarriages going septic clearly mean fucking nothing to you, as long as you can keep your Internet Moral Purity Fad Of The Moment.

edit: re Covid that was a global loss and it sucks and I have no Immune B cells and I don't go out anymore but that is hardly uniquely American. Everywhere is pretending it's over. no one cares about sick people anywhere. anyway grow up and realize the world is complicated and if you're a single issue voter like this you are cutting off your nose to spite your face

[imeosw]

The Evolution of E-Commerce in the UK: A Closer Look at My-Jose.com

E-commerce has reshaped the retail landscape in the United Kingdom, offering consumers unprecedented convenience, variety, and competitive pricing. This shift has also provided businesses with new avenues for growth and customer engagement. One such success story is My-Jose.com, an online retailer that has rapidly established itself as a leader in the home maintenance and improvement sector. This article explores the rise of e-commerce in the UK and delves into the strategies and strengths that have propelled My-Jose.com to success.

The E-Commerce Boom in the UK

The UK has seen a significant surge in e-commerce, driven by widespread internet access, a tech-savvy population, and robust logistics infrastructure. According to the Office for National Statistics, online sales accounted for over 30% of total retail sales in 2021, a trend that has only accelerated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The convenience of shopping from home, coupled with competitive pricing and extensive product ranges, has made e-commerce the preferred choice for many UK consumers.

My-Jose.com: An Overview

My-Jose.com is a notable player in the UK’s online retail market, specializing in home maintenance and improvement products. The company has quickly gained a reputation for offering high-quality, effective solutions to common household problems. From powerful cleaners and degreasers to specialized items like Bacteria for Septic Tanks, My-Jose.com caters to a wide range of needs, ensuring that homeowners can find the right products for their specific requirements.

Diverse and High-Quality Product Range

One of the key factors behind My-Jose.com's success is its diverse and high-quality product range. The company carefully selects products that meet stringent performance and safety standards. For example, their bacteria for septic tanks is designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of septic systems. This product works by breaking down waste and preventing blockages, ensuring smooth operation and reducing maintenance costs for homeowners. Such specialized products highlight My-Jose.com's dedication to providing practical and reliable solutions tailored to customer needs.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

My-Jose.com is committed to innovation and continuous improvement. The company regularly updates its product offerings to include the latest and most effective solutions in the market. By staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging new technologies, My-Jose.com ensures that its customers have access to cutting-edge products that make household maintenance easier and more efficient.

Customer-Centric Approach

Delivering an exceptional customer experience is a cornerstone of My-Jose.com's business strategy. The website is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing customers to find what they need quickly. Detailed product descriptions and customer reviews provide valuable information, helping shoppers make informed decisions. The checkout process is streamlined, offering multiple payment options and reliable delivery services. Additionally, My-Jose.com's customer support team is readily available to assist with any queries or concerns, further enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Importance of Customer Feedback

Customer feedback plays a crucial role in My-Jose.com's operations. The company actively encourages customers to leave reviews and prominently displays them on their site. Positive testimonials not only build trust and credibility but also provide insights into customer preferences and areas for improvement. This transparent approach to customer feedback highlights My-Jose.com's commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Competitive Pricing and Promotional Strategies

In a competitive market, offering value for money is essential. My-Jose.com understands this and strives to provide high-quality products at competitive prices. The company regularly offers promotions and discounts, making their products even more accessible to customers. Additionally, My-Jose.com features bundles and bulk purchase options, allowing customers to save more on essential items. These strategies help attract a loyal customer base and differentiate My-Jose.com from other online retailers.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and My-Jose.com is committed to adopting eco-friendly practices. The company offers environmentally safe products, such as their septic tank bacteria solutions, which provide effective results without harming the ecosystem. My-Jose.com also minimizes packaging and collaborates with suppliers who adhere to green practices, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.

Leveraging SEO and Digital Marketing

Visibility is crucial in the digital marketplace, and My-Jose.com has effectively leveraged SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and digital marketing to enhance its online presence. By targeting relevant keywords and creating high-quality content, the company attracts a steady stream of organic traffic. For example, focusing on keywords like "Bacteria for Septic Tanks" drives targeted traffic to their site. My-Jose.com also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with customers and promoting their products. These efforts ensure that My-Jose.com remains top-of-mind for potential customers.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, My-Jose.com is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth of e-commerce in the UK. The company plans to expand its product range further, incorporating more innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Enhancements to the website and improvements in logistics are also on the horizon, aimed at providing an even better customer experience. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer needs, My-Jose.com is poised to sustain its growth and success in the competitive online retail market.

Conclusion

The evolution of e-commerce in the UK has created new opportunities for online businesses. My-Jose.com exemplifies how a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability can drive success in the e-commerce space. By continuously innovating and adapting to changing consumer demands, My-Jose.com is set to remain a key player in the UK's online retail landscape. For more information and to explore their extensive product range, visit their official website.

[hakesbros]

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[neechees]

Also with that jezzzzmm blog they literally make it sound like their "sister" is suffering from every thing imaginable, so I think they're just stealing info from multiple people trying to combine it together, adding alleged illnesses to make it seems like it matches the photos they stole from. It's not at all impossible or even uncommon for people to be suffering from multiple illnesses or disabilities, but the ones they allege their sister has doesn't really match up or seem very connected to each other (& they won't say how or why this is, or what might've caused it, which is typically what your doctor tries to find out), or they'll say one thing & then literally never update or bring it up again?

like... first they say their 3 month old sister has a seizure disorder (but won't say which one) & this is why she was initially put in the hospital, then they say she caught covid while in the hospital & is continuing to have seizures & was fighting septic shock (how she got septic shock is not mentioned but I THINK the implication is that she had a rotting intenstine?), then they say there's something wrong with her liver and show a baby under bili lights (which is usually used for, again, newborns) being treated for jaundice but none of the photos look as if this child is suffering from jaundice, then she went through 3 surgeries to remove the necrotic tissue & now she has short bowel syndrome (which can be caused by removing parts of the intestine), then they say she was having breathing issues & needed a ventilitaor, & as proof they show a photo of a MUCH BIGGER child (who looks to be like 5 years old) hooked up to a heart moniter (but no ventilator or oxygen tank visible) but apparently allowed to go home even though she apparently can't breathe on her own, then they say she ended up dying because of infection from the surgeries and blood clots (which CAN be caused by SBS) & of blood loss, but the photo they show where she allegedly died does not look like a child who died of major blood loss (as their skin is very pigmented). But they never bring up her seizures, liver issues, breathing problems ever again or why she had all those things & the diagnoses related to them.

[feeshybeach]

It's nice to know I'm not alone, but it's a double-edged sword in a way.

The first time I got COVID, it was in December of 2019. My entire family got sick, and out of everyone, I was the sickest. I had a high fever for a few days, and it was to the point where I was so sick I legitimately couldn't tell you if I was dead or alive. I was Sick to the point I Could Not Tell if I was even on earth or in this reality or whatever the fuck. I would not recommend it. I nearly went to the E.R. and would have if my fever didn't break.

I've likely had it a few more times since then. But not to that level. Regardless of that, though, I am chronically tired, I am always in severe pain, and some days, it is near impossible to force myself out of bed. I have to use a cane, I'm lucky enough not to need it on the farm most days, but I need it often enough.

Due to having COVID, I suddenly have a lot more allergies to food than I have ever had before, I can't eat most seafood, especially salmon, without going into near anaphylaxis. I caught another illness due to a weakened immune system (caused by COVID) that made me go through two surgeries and left me with permanent liver damage.

I have what my partner and I call Fainting Goat syndrome. Where sometimes for seemingly no reason I just. Faint. I have to be exceedingly careful not to overwork, and that's hard for me simply due to my living situation.

Smaller wounds take longer to heal, though for some reason, this didn't apply to top surgery? Those healed faster than normal. Trans win, I guess?

I went septic recently, as well. They never found out the reason in full, but I have to be far, far more careful with everything I do, especially when it comes to any sort of infection BECAUSE of long COVID.

My ability to communicate, take in information, and remember information, all of that jazz has been affected in part due to long COVID. It is also affected by CPTSD, DID, GAD, and depression so I can't really give COVID all the credit there, but.. It's impacted it enough to be an active issue.

It made my quality of life worse, and relatively speaking, I've gotten off light despite the fact that I am likely, permanently disabled. I get sick so much easier, and when I am sick, it lasts for much longer than it used to. I have more intense breathing problems than I had before. Some days, my disabilities are bad enough that I really wish I could use a wheelchair as my legs simply feel. Broken.

My sense of smell and taste are pretty funked up, too. I can still smell, but it's nowhere near the level it used to be. Though sometimes I can smell that well and its.. nice. I can't have most beef without it tasting really. Really off to me. Same with turkey even if it's all safe n normally good. It's weird.

Theres.. likely more, I'm forgetting ironically, I know.

What I Want You To Know About Long COVID

Well lads, I've been suffering from Long COVID for over a year now. My life is at a complete standstill. I'm 25 years old and I'm too sick to go back to school, I can't work, I had to move back in with my parents and I'm still stuck here.

Here are just a few things I wish people knew about Long COVID, including things I didn't know myself until I got it.

COVID destroys your immune system. Yes, even if you don't have Long COVID. Are you getting sick more often now? When you get sick, does it last longer? There are many studies showing that COVID causes t cell depletion, even in mild COVID cases! T cells are how your body remembers how to fight off infections you've had before so losing those cells? Bad news.

Your initial infection can be mild and you can still get Long COVID. Right from Yale Medicine, "Most people with Long COVID had mild acute COVID." (This is also a good link for a basic Long COVID overview).

There can be a gap of time between when you "get better" from the initial COVID infection to the onset of Long COVID symptoms. Some people get sick with an initial COVID infection and never get better. Some get better and then weeks or months later start developing Long COVID symptoms. Long COVID symptoms can even fluctuate over time, can go away for months and then suddenly come back.

So many people have Long COVID and don't realize it. Do you feel more tired lately but no matter how much you sleep, nothing helps? Is it harder to concentrate at work or school? Can you just not think like you used to? You could have Long COVID and not even know it. Even mild post-COVID symptoms are still Long COVID.

COVID can do anything to your body. Long COVID has over 200 recognized symptoms and can affect basically any part or system of your body. There is no one mechanism or cause of Long COVID which unfortunately also means there's no one cure either.

The effects of COVID are cumulative. Each COVID reinfection increases your chances of developing Long COVID. COVID is also affecting your body in other ways, yes, even if you're otherwise young and healthy! "Repeat COVID-19 infections increase risk of organ failure, death".

Once you have Long COVID, repeat COVID infections will make your symptoms worse. "80% [of Long COVID patients] saw their symptoms worsen [from reinfection]. In 60% of people who were in recovery or remission from Long COVID, reinfection caused a recurrence of Long COVID."

There is a lot more I want to say about Long COVID but I want to keep this post at least somewhat manageable to read. Like how when COVID is contracted during pregnancy, those COVID-exposed fetuses have a 6.3-fold increased risk of motor developmental delays, or that another study found 50% of babies exposed to COVID in utero had developmental delays.

You need to keep caring about COVID, for others around you and also for yourself even if you're "healthy". Everyone is at risk. And don't forget 40-60% of COVID infections are asymptomatic, which is why masking even if you feel fine is crucial. The only way right now to not get Long COVID is to not get COVID in the first place. It's not too late, if you've stopped masking it's never too late to start again! I know it's easy to get distracted by things in your life that seem more real than the possibility of getting sick some time in the future, and the peer pressure to not mask can be intense. But it only feels less real or less important until your entire life is having Long COVID. Trust me.

I know this is a complicated issue, many people can't afford to stay home when sick even if they want to because of their jobs, there are disgusting policies trying to ban wearing masks, but please if you can. Keep masking. Masking works, masking saves lives.

This post got a bit longer than I wanted so below the cut is a non-exhaustive list of my Long COVID symptoms and some of my experiences as one of the "healthy young people" who got "unlucky". cw brief mention of suicidal ideation.

Welcome to the Thunderdome that is my body with Long COVID. Keep in mind these are just my experiences and symptoms, Long COVID can cause any range of symptoms at varying severities.

Dysautonomia: Exercise intolerance, Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), fatigue, and heat intolerance. What do those things mean? Here's some specific examples. Absolutely terrible circulation I am so cold all the time but also, if I get a little too warm I will pass out. Eating hot food makes my heart rate spike, I sweat, my body feels heavy. Blood pooling and pins and needles in my feet when I walk. Don't even think about exercising past walking, it's impossible. I used to work out an hour a day 4 times a week and now walking up one flight of stairs makes my heart pound and I can't breathe. Can't take even just warm showers anymore or I will pass out. Heat rashes from being in the sun for 10 minutes.

Digestive issues: Honestly too many to name but: constant bloating, extreme nausea, constipation, slow motility, lack of appetite, just so much cramping and pain. I lost 18 pounds from Long COVID, as someone who was already considered underweight their entire life, and almost had to get a shunt put into my chest to deliver nutrients because I was nearly completely unable to eat. For the first 6 months of Long COVID, if I could manage 600 calories a day, that was a good day.

Histamine intolerance: Oh boy. My worst symptoms, I don't even know where to start with it. If you know Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) it's very similar. I can only eat 19 foods. If i eat a single bite of something not on that list, it's 48 hours of absolute hell. Coughing, migraines, itchy eyes, such extreme nausea I cannot even describe it, panic/feeling of doom, racing heart rate, derealization, rash, uncontrollable muscle tremors. I only learned about histamine intolerance 5 months into having Long COVID so before that, I was experiencing these symptoms nearly every single day. Terrifying isn't even a strong enough word to describe how it felt to experience all this and have no idea what it was, how to stop it, or if it would ever stop. Really dark times.

Neurological issues: More of that derealization. Inability to concentrate. Anxiety. OCD-like symptoms such as thoughts getting "stuck" in my head, repeating 24/7 completely unable to stop them, genuinely felt like my brain had cracked open and I had lost my mind. Constant dizziness like I'm on a boat.

Sleep issues: I sleep like garbage. I have insomnia, I wake up dozens of times every night and every single time I sleep I have intensely vivid dreams. I can't sleep longer than 7 hours total no matter how exhausted I am. It is exhausting. I'm exhausted, I'm so so tired.

And finally. Just. Really intense suicidal ideation. My body, my health, my entire life has been stolen from me because someone else decided my life was worth less to them than wearing a mask or staying home if they feel sick. Before I got Long COVID, I was preparing to go to South Korea to teach English, then on to a PhD in neurolinguistics, I was supposed to meet my long distance partner and had already booked plane tickets when I got sick. All of that has been destroyed.

Most of us with Long COVID are stuck in a cycle of being extremely sick, then if you're lucky you'll slowly get better over months, just to get reinfected and go right back where you started or worse. Honestly, I'm not scared of dying from COVID. I'm scared of living for a long time, suffering from Long COVID the entire time. This isn't living.

I don't know how to end this now. I'm still fighting, I'm trying experimental treatments, I'm not giving up yet. I hope everyone reading this stays healthy and well.

[osw-myjose]

My-Jose: A Rising Star in the UK's E-Commerce Landscape

he e-commerce sector in the United Kingdom has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, revolutionizing the way consumers shop and businesses operate. Among the many successful online retailers, My-Jose.com stands out as a notable player, offering a diverse range of home maintenance and improvement products. This article delves into the factors behind the success of My-Jose.com, exploring its product offerings, customer-centric approach, sustainability initiatives, and future prospects.

The E-Commerce Boom in the UK

The UK has been a pioneer in the e-commerce industry, with a significant portion of retail sales now conducted online. The convenience of shopping from home, coupled with competitive pricing and extensive product ranges, has made online shopping the preferred choice for many consumers. According to the Office for National Statistics, online sales accounted for over 30% of total retail sales in 2021, a trend further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This growth has created a fertile ground for online retailers like My-Jose.com to thrive.

My-Jose.com: Overview

My-Jose.com is an emerging online retailer that specializes in home maintenance and improvement products. The company has quickly gained a reputation for offering high-quality, effective solutions to common household problems. From powerful cleaners and degreasers to specialized items like Bacteria for Septic Tanks, My-Jose.com caters to a wide range of needs, ensuring that homeowners can find the right products for their specific requirements.

Diverse Product Range

A key factor behind the success of My-Jose.com is its diverse and comprehensive product range. The company carefully selects products that meet high standards of performance and safety, ensuring that customers receive only the best. For instance, their bacteria for septic tanks is designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of septic systems. This product works by breaking down waste and preventing blockages, thus ensuring smooth operation and reducing maintenance costs for homeowners. Such specialized products exemplify My-Jose.com's dedication to addressing specific customer needs with effective solutions.

Quality and Innovation

My-Jose.com prides itself on offering innovative and high-quality products. The company is constantly on the lookout for new and improved solutions that can make household maintenance easier and more efficient. By staying ahead of industry trends and continuously updating its product offerings, My-Jose.com ensures that its customers have access to the latest and most effective tools and solutions.

Customer-Centric Approach

My-Jose.com places a strong emphasis on delivering an exceptional customer experience. The website is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and detailed product descriptions that help customers make informed decisions. The checkout process is streamlined, offering multiple payment options and reliable delivery services. Additionally, My-Jose.com has a dedicated customer support team that is readily available to assist with any queries or concerns, further enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Importance of Customer Reviews

Customer feedback is invaluable for any business, and My-Jose.com places great emphasis on gathering and showcasing reviews. Positive testimonials not only build trust and credibility but also provide insights into customer preferences and areas for improvement. My-Jose.com encourages customers to leave reviews and prominently displays them on their site, helping potential buyers make confident purchasing decisions. This transparent approach to customer feedback highlights the company's commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Competitive Pricing and Promotions

In a competitive market, offering value for money is crucial. My-Jose.com understands this and strives to provide high-quality products at competitive prices. The company regularly offers promotions and discounts, making their products even more accessible to customers. Additionally, My-Jose.com features bundles and bulk purchase options, allowing customers to save more on essential items. These strategies help attract a loyal customer base and differentiate My-Jose.com from other online retailers.

Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability is a growing concern among consumers, and My-Jose.com is committed to addressing this issue. The company offers eco-friendly products and implements sustainable practices across its operations. For example, their septic tank bacteria products are environmentally safe, providing effective solutions without harming the ecosystem. My-Jose.com also minimizes packaging and works with suppliers who adhere to green practices, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.

Leveraging SEO and Digital Marketing

Visibility is essential in the digital marketplace, and My-Jose.com has effectively leveraged SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and digital marketing to enhance its online presence. By targeting relevant keywords and creating high-quality content, the company attracts a steady stream of organic traffic. For example, focusing on keywords like "Bacteria for Septic Tanks" drives targeted traffic to their site. My-Jose.com also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with customers and promoting their products. These efforts ensure that My-Jose.com remains top-of-mind for potential customers.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, My-Jose.com is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth of e-commerce in the UK. The company plans to expand its product range further, incorporating more innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Enhancements to the website and improvements in logistics are also on the horizon, aimed at providing an even better customer experience. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer needs, My-Jose.com is poised to sustain its growth and success in the competitive online retail market.

Conclusion

The evolution of e-commerce in the UK has created new opportunities for online businesses. My-Jose.com exemplifies how a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability can drive success in the e-commerce space. By continuously innovating and adapting to changing consumer demands, My-Jose.com is set to remain a key player in the UK's online retail landscape. For more information and to explore their extensive product range, visit their official website.

1/2

[my-jose4]

The Evolution of E-Commerce in the UK: Spotlight on My-Jose.com

E-commerce has revolutionized the retail landscape in the United Kingdom, transforming how consumers shop and businesses operate. The rise of online shopping has brought convenience, variety, and competitive pricing to the forefront, attracting a growing number of consumers. Among the many successful online retailers, My-Jose.com stands out as a notable player in this dynamic market. This article explores the development of e-commerce in the UK and highlights the factors behind My-Jose.com's success.

Growth of E-Commerce in the UK

The UK has been a pioneer in the e-commerce sector, with a robust digital infrastructure and a tech-savvy population driving growth. The proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet has made online shopping accessible to a broad audience. According to the Office for National Statistics, online sales accounted for over 30% of total retail sales in 2021, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The convenience of shopping from home, along with competitive pricing and extensive product ranges, has made e-commerce the preferred choice for many consumers.

My-Jose.com: A Rising Star

My-Jose.com is a prominent online retailer specializing in home maintenance and improvement products. The company has rapidly gained a reputation for offering high-quality, effective solutions to common household problems. Their diverse product range includes powerful cleaners, degreasers, and specialized items like Bacteria for Septic Tanks https://my-jose.com/shop/bacteria-for-septic-tanks-septic-tank-cleaning/, catering to the varied needs of homeowners.

Product Quality and Diversity

A key factor behind My-Jose.com's success is its commitment to product quality and diversity. The company carefully selects products that meet stringent performance and safety standards. For instance, their bacteria for septic tanks is designed to enhance the efficiency and longevity of septic systems by breaking down waste and preventing blockages. This product exemplifies My-Jose.com's dedication to providing practical and reliable solutions tailored to specific customer needs.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

My-Jose.com places a strong emphasis on delivering an exceptional customer experience. The website is user-friendly, with intuitive navigation and detailed product descriptions that help customers make informed decisions. The checkout process is streamlined, offering multiple payment options and reliable delivery services. Additionally, My-Jose.com has a dedicated customer support team that is readily available to assist with any queries or concerns, further enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Commitment to Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is a growing concern among consumers, and My-Jose.com is committed to addressing this issue. The company offers eco-friendly products and implements sustainable practices across its operations. For example, their septic tank bacteria products are environmentally safe, providing effective solutions without harming the ecosystem. My-Jose.com also minimizes packaging and works with suppliers who adhere to green practices, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.

Competitive Pricing and Promotions

In a competitive market, offering value for money is crucial. My-Jose.com understands this and strives to provide high-quality products at competitive prices. The company regularly offers promotions and discounts, making their products even more accessible to customers. Additionally, My-Jose.com features bundles and bulk purchase options, allowing customers to save more on essential items. These strategies help attract a loyal customer base and differentiate My-Jose.com from other online retailers.

Leveraging SEO and Digital Marketing

Visibility is essential in the digital marketplace, and My-Jose.com has effectively leveraged SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and digital marketing to enhance its online presence. By targeting relevant keywords and creating high-quality content, the company attracts a steady stream of organic traffic. For example, focusing on keywords like "Bacteria for Septic Tanks" drives targeted traffic to their site. My-Jose.com also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with customers and promoting their products. These efforts ensure that My-Jose.com remains top-of-mind for potential customers.

Importance of Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is invaluable for any business, and My-Jose.com places great emphasis on gathering and showcasing reviews. Positive testimonials not only build trust and credibility but also provide insights into customer preferences and areas for improvement. My-Jose.com encourages customers to leave reviews and prominently displays them on their site, helping potential buyers make confident purchasing decisions. This transparent approach to customer feedback highlights the company's commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, My-Jose.com is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth of e-commerce in the UK. The company plans to expand its product range further, incorporating more innovative and eco-friendly solutions. Enhancements to the website and improvements in logistics are also on the horizon, aimed at providing an even better customer experience. By staying attuned to market trends and consumer needs, My-Jose.com is poised to sustain its growth and success in the competitive online retail market.

Conclusion

The evolution of e-commerce in the UK has created new opportunities for online businesses. My-Jose.com exemplifies how a focus on quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability can drive success in the e-commerce space. By continuously innovating and adapting to changing consumer demands, My-Jose.com is set to remain a key player in the UK's online retail landscape. For more information and to explore their extensive product range, visit their official website https://my-jose.com/.

[theblotsays]

“We’re all just doing our best, threaded to a hospital bed” Timed Edition Screen Print by Daniel Danger x Bottleneck Gallery

Yesterday, Bottleneck Gallery put together an epic new release to aid the lost boy-king of Ghost Island, Daniel Danger, with all proceeds from the sale of this print going to the beloved artist to help with the health issues his family has been dealing with lately. This is an art print of a gig poster for a recent Primus concert designed by Danger. “We’re all just doing our best, threaded to a hospital bed” by Daniel Danger is a 24”x36” signed and numbered 7 color screen print. The run size for Version A and Version B will be set by the number of prints purchased at BottleneckGallery.com from now through 11:59pm ET on Thursday, April 18th. Each print will retail for $75 or you can purchase a matching number set for $145. As BNG explained, “Daniel Danger is a legend. Initially beginning as collectors before creating Bottleneck, we’ve been mesmerized and drawn into Daniel’s brilliantly melancholic art for almost two decades. Daniel’s long-spanning print career has always orbited around gig posters, and despite having one of the most riveting and successful years of his artistic career recently, Daniel and his family have also been dealing with serious and severe health issues. It’s been a genuine dream working together with Daniel, and we want to give back to an artist that gives this corner of the art world so much of himself. We’re teaming up with Daniel to release an art print edition of his recent Primus gig poster – an absolute stunner, we should add – and 100% of the proceeds from this release will go directly to Daniel and his family.” From the artist, Daniel Danger: “I’ll avoid getting into specifics, but my wife Rebecca has been very sick the last few months. 48 hours after I was discharged from the hospital from my own two month battle with septic level post-covid pneumonia and the discovery of a pulmonary embolism, I was suddenly carrying her into the ER one Sunday night. Our life since has just been hospital stays, a half dozen ERs, a couple ambulances, endless specialists, and a confused five year old. She’s currently a quarter step above outright disabled, unable to do much of anything, and it’s been an intense, engulfing and terrifying experience for our family. My wife and I are both small business owners; she’s a freaking saint and works with people largely on the autism spectrum, and I obsessively draw weird houses and ghosts because of the autism spectrum. We’re by no means financially doomed by this, but back-to-back completely debilitating illnesses have pretty much annihilated our savings, as being sick in America is very very expensive, and two businesses were left hemorrhaging money in our absence. Simply put, if you can, now would be an extremely good time to pick up a Daniel Danger print. There’s an old house in Florence, MA on the way to our doctor’s office that someone’s been slowly gutting, and I’ve been watching this play out in real time as we pass it, which has been a regular thing since I was near death a few months back. I’ve been thinking about our failing medical system, about Hygieia the goddess of health, angry about prayer, about the fun trip to CA we were supposed to take with our 5 year old daughter, about the fast food I stress eat in the car, about this beautiful person in my life threaded to a hospital bed, to an ambulance, to a failing house that hopefully gets rebuilt, and all I can do is stand atop it all and try and do my best to keep it together. A looming forgetting of being carefree, of youth; existing in the shadow of the happiest place and feeling overwhelmed by its absence. This started as a gig poster for PRIMUS, I was sketching but I didn’t even really think about the band, other than knowing Primus of all bands would be OK with me doing what I *needed to* creatively, what my brain had to get out. The band would be the temporary carrier of these feelings. I spent the last few days reworking the piece to a larger format, expanding the colors, and doing a lot of cleanup work on this bizarre illustration I did while deliriously tired, and… http://dlvr.it/T5qWGf

[jcrmhscasereports]

Successful Jatene procedure for great arteries transposition correction in newborn with SARSCoV-2 infection by Guillermo Careaga-Reyna MD in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

ABSTRACT

Pandemic of COVID-19 represents a challenge for treatment of patients with congenital herat disease. We present a newborn with great vessels transposition and positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The patient was submitted to a successful surgical treatment with corrective Jatene procedure, requiring opened chest wall during 72 h of postoperative period and 43 days of total in-hospital lenght of stay.

KEY-WORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, great vessel transposition, Jatene procedure, congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION

Coronaviruses are single stranded ribonucleic acid viruses with a diameter of 60–140 nm and a high rate of genetic mutations and recombinations, rendering them capable of escaping from the immune system and causing novel infections (1). In less than six months, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has swiftly spread from one city in China to over 190 countries worldwide (2-4). Neonatal infections with SARS-CoV-2 have been described although robust data on vertical transmission are lacking. In most instances where neonatal infection has been reported, close contact with infected mother or caregiver is postulated to have occurred (4).

In newborns, the case is regarded as positive for infection if any of the following conditions occurs, (1): positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory tract or blood samples, high homology of viral gene sequences of the samples from the respiratory tract or blood to the COVID-19 sequence.

We present a case of a newborn with great vessel transposition and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CASE REPORT

We present a new born with great arteries transposition associated to aquired SARS-COV-2 infection.

The patient was refrerred to our hospital, with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, with mechanical ventilatory support in order to confirm a complex congenital heart disease.

The diagnosis was established via echocardiographic evaluation which showed normal venous return, concordance atrio-ventricular and ventriculo-arterial discordance. It was concluded: great arteries transposition, patent ductus arteriosus and permeability of foramen oval.

The patient was recovered from a septic shock with no evidence of systemic inflammatory response requires inotropic support and after stabilization in neonatal intensive care unit, at 10 day in-hospital stay,  was submitted to an open heart surgery consisted in anatomic correction with Jatene procedure. The aortic cross-clamping time was 119 min, with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of 181 min. It was decided to maintain in postoperative period opened chest wall, and after 72 the chest wall closure was succesfully realized with favorable posoperative evolution. After 32 days of postoperative, the patient was discharged from hospital. Actually, two years after surgery, the patient is doing well, only with mild pulmonary stenosis without hemodinamic or clinical repercusion.

DISCUSSION

For infants born to COVID positive mothers should be reasonable to separate him from the mother if will need cardiac surgery to try avoid post-natal infection.

In fact, there is minimal evidence of placental vertical transmisión. In this case, the patient has a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 infection and evolved with septic shock in the preoperative period.

It may also be reasonable to do serial testing on the infant, but there is no consensus on the correct timing surgery should be scheduled with advice from a multidisciplinary team of experts including cardiac medical, cardiac surgical, and infectious diseases as indicated. After evaluation of the clinical conditions for a heart team in our hospital, it was decided to realize the surgical procedure in order to avoid progression of heart damage and irreversible heart failure.

However we must remember that, if prudent, surgery should be delayed until the patient’s symptoms have improved and/or testing has been repeated (often after 14 days) and is negative (5).

On the other side, in older patients the inflammatory response due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been a frequent complication.

In our patient, probably due to the age, it was no presented even with the septic shock o posteriorly associated to the use of CPB during the surgical procedure

It was concluded taht COVID-19 may affect all age patients. However with cautious evaluation and treatment of associated disease as in our case, the patient improves survival, despite severity of viral illness, and during this pandemic period, patients with active COVID-19, at neonatal period we have no treated any other.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: None.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The authors declares there is no conflict of interests.

For more information: https://jmedcasereportsimages.org/about-us/

For more submission : https://jmedcasereportsimages.org/

[amadowelch]

ERC Tax Credit Deadline 2022

Employee Retention Credit Deadline 2022

The CARES Act provides incentives for businesses to keep employees on the payroll through the Employee Retention Credit. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Eligible employers may be eligible to receive both the Credit and tax credits for qualified sick or family leave wages. The amount of qualified wages for which an eligible employer may claim the Credit explicitly does not include the credit for qualified sick and family leave wages. Not to be confused, however, federal law requires certain employers to pay sick leave wages to employees who are unable work or telework due to COVID-19.

Is It Too Late To Get The Employee Retention Credit? Deadline 2022

Employers may not use the tax credit for employees who don't work. Companies should pay attention to the eligibility requirements set forth in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021). However, they can also determine their eligibility through gross receipts in the calendar quarter that immediately precedes this one instead of the corresponding quarter of 2019. If your business or trade was affected by a government decision, you may be eligible to claim the Employee Retention Credit. It only applies for the quarter portion when the company was suspended and not the full quarter.

Smith explained that in addition to ERTC, Smith said that "there are other resources still possible." Smith explained that paid-leave tax credit have been extended and will be available until September 31st. Expanding the definitions of eligible employers to include "recovery-startup businesses". If compared with the same quarter in the previous year it shows a decrease ERC tax credit of more 50 percent in gross receipts during 2020 or 2021 quarters. The Employee Retention Tax Credit is ending at the end in 2021. However, eligible businesses still have time and money to claim the credit.

Complete all federal tax forms and any additional supporting documentation as required. Determine whether the employer qualifies. If so, for which fiscal quarters. Wage qualifications for the ERTC also vary depending on the size of the organization and the number of full-time employees who work 30 hours a week or 130 hours a month. Tax Factson LinkedIn. Join the conversation on financial planning, tax topics, and more.

Deadline 2022- Employee Retention Credit

Find out about the employee retention credit deadline 2022 in this video: ??????https://t.co/pMuRHE4aec#employeeretentioncredit #employeeretentioncredit2022

— CryptoCrisps (??,??) 9452 (@CryptoCrispsBee) December 6, 2022

The credit is now limited to third quarter 2021. This means that wages paid after Sept. 30, 2020 are not eligible. Recall that the maximum amount eligible employers can home.treasury.gov ERC tax credit PDF receive for a quarter is $10,000 per employee. The number and wages of your employees will impact the amount. During the pandemic, there was a lot of financial distress among employers. This credit can help ease their financial burden.

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[splendidsinner]

That video is a great representation of how I felt during a hospital stay in January.

Day 1: Ma’am you’re having a heart attack.

Day 2: We don’t know why you had a heart attack, but now you also have Covid.

Day 3: You have a staph infection.

Day 4: You have a UTI

Day 5: You know that staph infection? Yeah well sorry but it’s now turned into septic arthritis.

Release day 2 weeks later: yeah that staph infection…you’ll need 6 weeks of IV fluids every day including weekends. Also you have to do cardiac rehab 3 days a week, and also exercise like your life depends on it.

In a strange way having the heart attack and everything else that followed has been the best thing to happen to me. After 20 years of chronic pain I am learning to listen to my body instead of ignoring it. I’m way more physically active than what I was at this time last year, am taking better care of myself and learning radical self-care, which is all really starting to show.

I have never liked to tolerate the asshattery or fuckery of others but now my tolerance is at ***zero***. I will jump into my Mariachi pants, throw on my Docs and tell someone to fuck off faster than Nick Cannon’s baby mamas’ can pop out kids.

I’m still trying to process everything, not be afraid and and do the best that I can. But when the Universe calls and delivers messages in such a way, I have no choice but to listen.

[themedicalstate]

A Nurse Made a Fatal Mistake. Should She Go to Prison for It? 

We all carry the memory of our mistakes. For health care workers like me, these memories surface in the early morning when we cannot sleep or at a bedside where, in some way, we are reminded of a patient who came before. Most were errors in judgment or near misses: a procedure we thought could wait, a subtle abnormality in vital signs that didn’t register as a harbinger of serious illness, an X-ray finding missed, a central line nearly placed in the wrong blood vessel. Even the best of us have stories of missteps, close calls that are caught before they ever cause patient harm.

But some are more devastating. RaDonda Vaught, a former Tennessee nurse, is awaiting sentencing for one particularly catastrophic case that took place in 2017. She administered a paralyzing medication to a patient before a scan instead of the sedative she intended to give to quell anxiety. The patient stopped breathing and ultimately died.

Precisely where all the blame for this tragedy lies remains debated. Ms. Vaught’s attorney argued his client made an honest mistake and faulted the mechanized medication dispensing system at the hospital where she worked. The prosecution maintained, however, that she “overlooked many obvious signs that she’d withdrawn the wrong drug” and failed to monitor her patient after the injection.

Criminal prosecutions for medical errors are rare, but Ms. Vaught was convicted in criminal court of two felonies and now faces up to eight years in prison. This outcome has been met with outrage by doctors and nurses across the country. Many worry that her case creates a dangerous precedent, a chilling effect that will discourage health care workers from reporting errors or close calls. Some nurses are even leaving the profession and citing this case as the final straw after years of caring for patients with Covid-19.

From my vantage point, it is not useful to speculate about where malpractice ends and criminal liability begins. The pandemic has brought the health care system to the brink, and the Vaught case is not unimaginable, especially with current staffing shortages. That is, perhaps, the most troubling fact of all.

It has been more than 20 years since the Institute of Medicine released a groundbreaking report on preventable medical errors, arguing that errors are due not solely to individual health care providers but also to systems that need to be made safer. The authors called for a 50 percent reduction in errors over five years. Even so, there is still no mandatory, nationwide system for reporting adverse events from medical errors.

When patient safety experts talk about medical errors in the abstract, in lecture halls and classrooms, they talk about a culture of patient safety, which means an openness to discussing mistakes and safety concerns without shifting to individual blame. In reality, however, conversations around errors often have a different tone. Early in my intern year, a senior cardiologist gathered our team one morning, after one of my fellow interns failed to start antibiotics on a septic patient overnight. The intern had been busy with a sick new admission and had missed subtle changes in the now septic patient, who had spiraled into shock by the morning.

“You must never stop being terrified,” the attending doctor would tell us. Even after decades of practice, she remained in a constant state of high alert. When you allow yourself to neglect your usual compulsiveness, she said, that’s when mistakes happen. Not because of imperfect systems, overwork and divided attention but because an intern was not appropriately terrified.

And there is a truth here: The cost of distraction on our job can be life or death, and we cannot forget that. But no one should have to maintain constant terror. Mistakes happen, even to the most vigilant, particularly when we are juggling multiple high-stress tasks. And that is why we need robust systems, to make sure that the inevitable human errors and missteps are caught before they result in patient harm.

The electronic health records we use now prompt doctors and nurses when patients’ combinations of vital signs and lab results suggest that they might be septic. This can be frustrating when we are fatigued by alarms and alerts, but it helps us recognize and react to patterns that a busy medical team might otherwise miss. When it comes to administering medications, they must generally be approved by a pharmacist before they can become available to a nurse to administer. Some hospitals create a no-talk zone where nurses withdraw these medications, because that process requires a focus that is often impossible in the frenzy of today’s hospitals.

Once the medication is in hand, nurses use a system to scan the drug along with the patient’s wristband to help ensure that the correct medication is given to the correct patient. None of these systems are perfect. But each serves to acknowledge that no individual can hold full responsibility for every step that leads to a patient outcome. Just being vigilant is not enough.

What’s needed alongside these systems is a culture in which doctors and nurses are empowered to speak up and ask questions when they are uncertain or when they suspect that one of their colleagues is making a mistake. This could mean that a nurse questions a doctor’s medication order and discovers it was intended for a different patient. Or that a junior doctor admits she is out of her depth when faced with a procedure that she should know how to do.

Stories in medicine so often celebrate an individual hero. We valorize the surgeon who performs the groundbreaking surgery but rarely acknowledge the layers of teamwork and checklists that made that win possible. Similarly, when a patient is harmed, it is natural to look for a person to blame, a bad apple who can be punished so that everything will feel safe again. It is far easier and more palatable to tell a story about a flawed doctor or a nurse than a flawed system of medication delivery and vital sign management.

But when it comes to medical errors, that is rarely the reality. Health care workers and the public must acknowledge that catastrophic outcomes can happen even to well-intentioned but overworked doctors and nurses who are practicing medicine in an imperfect system. Punishing one nurse does not ensure that a similar tragedy won’t occur in a different hospital on a different day. And regardless of the sentence that Ms. Vaught receives in May and whether it is fair, her case must be viewed as a story not just about individual responsibility but also about the failure of multiple systems and safeguards. That is a harder narrative to accept, but it is a necessary one, without which medicine will never change. And that, too, would be a tragic error but one that is still in our power to prevent.

Source: By Dr. Daniela J. Lamas, pulmonary & critical-care physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (The New York Times). Image: Eleni Kalorkoti. 

[neonnoir-ao3]

Some Words of Comfort.

Recently, I’ve seen a lot of people (especially those who have read spoilers/are actively searching for leaked content) lament about their future reactions to the deaths of our beloved characters in-game.

We all knew this was inevitable, and that them living was not an option for the plot of the game, but the time has finally come to face it head-on.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

I understand that someone outside this community might be like “it’s just a game”, but I know it’s way more than that to many: the concept of a female villain that, to many, can be seen as sympathizable and even endearing, is a bit of a new concept— especially on such a large scale as this instance.

In addition, Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters have become a bit of a comfort item for some (with an emphasis on sapphics/wlw, from what I’ve seen personally) in the form of a large, protective, and caring hypothetical partner, or even just a maternal character one can appreciate simply because of her love for her children. Regardless, most of us are here due to some desire for comfort.

Take my own story with this community, for example:

(tws for death, covid, suicide, and general medical emergencies)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frankly, 2020 and the beginning of 2021 have ruined me. I lost two men who were the only two positive father figures I’ve ever had. The last of the two tested positive for covid and deteriorated within days, to the point where less than a week after testing positive, my family was making the choice to pull the plug. This all occurred days before Christmas and my birthday. On the first day of the spring semester, having not had the time to properly mourn my grandfather, my mother is in the ER for multiple days with an internal infection that doctors said likely would have turned septic if she had waited to come in any longer. This led to three surgeries throughout the next few months. (Oh, and one of my relatives quite literally dropped dead on that first day of class, too). I am also estranged from one of my parents, and they have been trying to contact my family: they have multiple untreated mental illnesses (severe NPD, bipolar, and more) and they are extremely aggressive in that state of mind and they are agitated extremely easily. That only brings more stress, along with resurfacing trauma and related emotions. Every moment of every day has been a struggle. So much so that I failed half of my classes voluntarily simply because I couldn't do them anymore.

To be perfectly honest with you, I didn’t expect to be here right now. I expected that the pain of simply moving forward would have finally overridden my fears of death and that I would have already ended my suffering by now.

Then, in late January, I saw something trending on Twitter. About a new female villain in an upcoming horror game. And it went from there.

As cheesy as it sounds, this fandom and its content seriously saved my life. In the darkest of days, I’ve come to this tag for comfort. The oddest way I found said comfort was through those who were attracted to Alcina aesthetically. I have extremely long-term trauma related to being bullied and being the victim of a hybrid catfishing/'Oreo Game' on early social media by peers in middle school to the point where I do not think of myself as being able to be loved, let alone being worthy of it. Finding this community not only provided a great form of escapism (and opened a door into a fantasy world where I could imagine my own person vampire milf gf), but also gained a little bit of self-esteem (as many of you know, I share a lot of visual qualities with Alcina. -yes, I'm still kinda freaked out about it-) via seeing people where features/attributes like mine were actively praised and desired rather than insulted and pushed away like they have been until now.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

(okay sorry that kinda turned into a trauma dump but I needed to emphasize the fact that this community has seriously helped me during a really dark point in my life, and I know I can't be the only one with that sort of experience)

���⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

What I’m trying to get across here is that, like many others, this community and its content have been comforting and therapeutic, and it really is more than just a game to us. It’s entertaining and even a form of escapism in these extremely trying times. We all have some degree of PTSD from surviving a literal mass plague— and this is something we're using as a method of coping. a distraction. a coping mechanism.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With that being said, here are some ways to hopefully assist in lessening the emotional stress:

(please note that I am not a mental health professional and these may not be healthy coping mechanisms for everyone.)

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Understand that it’s just a game.

I know, this sounds completely counterintuitive, but it’s more or less about keeping your level of immersion down. Personally, I can’t do scary shit in general: I have to listen to music on low volume while watching dark ARG vids at night or when I’m alone because I get too into it, and then my paranoia kicks in. Sometimes just pausing for a moment and grounding yourself/reminding yourself that this is a video game: a jumble of code and 3D rendering that doesn’t have to affect your views/headcanons if you don’t want it to. Did your favorite character just get slaughtered? Nope, that 3D rendering of them just got un-alived, that’s all.

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Ignorance is Bliss/We are the Captain Now

Simple: Capcom can’t even pronounce Dimitrescu right, or even acknowledge the way it’s correctly said in Romanian culture itself. How can you trust them to give you a perfect canon? That’s the thing: with that logic, you can’t. What they say is true means little (if anything, for that matter) to your headcanons and preexisting ideas of the Dimitrescus. In short: fuck ‘em.

I’m currently seeking a double major in pop culture, and one of the cool things I’ve learned so far is affirmational vs transformational fandom. Affirmational is where official canon is seen as the law of the land, and followed to a T. Transformational is seen as much more inviting for audiences, allowing them to bend canon as they wish to fit their own creations. This fandom is obviously transformational, so take that game canon, rip it up, and get back to whatever you were doing.

Capcom’s canon is not the end-all, be-all. Far from it, actually.

Want to still acknowledge canon? Godmod your way out of it.

Character A died? It’d be a shame if they emerged from the rubble they 'died in' a few hours later, very beaten but alive nonetheless... how awful would it be if they sulked away, nursed their wounds, and continued to live... (/s)

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Ignore it completely.

Remember: give it time. Once the game drops, there w be a wave of grief, but eventually, we as a community will recover, and get back to business as usual. Think about it like the in any way. Stay with the version in your head that makes you happy.

Get Creative!

If you're into creating fanart, writing fics, or even just posting a list of headcanons, take some advice from the late Carrie Fisher: "Take your broken heart, and make it into art". Make the fluff oneshot of your dreams! Draw the fanart you've been wanting to! dump lighthearted headcanons into the tags! Not only will it cheer you up, but sharing it with the community will spread the love!

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I know a lot of people are struggling with this emotionally (especially with the pandemic making entertainment like this even more important sources of escapism and coping mechanisms) and I hope that, at the very least, I was able to help comfort one person who reads this.

Remember: give it time. Once the game drops, there will be a wave of grief, but eventually, we as a community will recover, and get back to business as usual. Think about it like the flowers that bloom after major wildfires: after a period of loss, some beautiful can still come of it.

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💙